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House Beside the River
A coming-of-age novel with a strong heroine, a sweet love story, and the eternal struggle between good and evil
Running from vile rumors and merciless ridicule, thirteen-year-old Nicole Beaumont flees her home in Parsons Valley, Georgia. She leaves Chris behind, the boy who had been her best-friend-for-life, her soul mate, the one with whom she was supposed to spend her life, and she takes refuge at a boarding school in rural Pennsylvania.
In the farming community in which she lived, almost any transgression could be tolerated, excused, or overlooked. Any transgression, save one that smacked of sex, and, according to rumor, that was exactly what she and Chris had done while lying on the bank of Parsons Pond. It was a lie, the worst part at any rate, but Chris̶ ̶ refused to deny the rumor. Never again, Nicole vows, will she trust another person as she had trusted Chris.
Such vows can be difficult to keep, but Nicole perseveres.
Then, she meets Richard. He seems different from the others. He accepts Nicole as she is. He keeps her secrets. When others doubt her, he stands in her defense. Nevertheless, even as they fall in love, the full story of what happened at Parsons Pond remains off-limits to him, and her memories of Chris, which tempt her, tugging her into the past, threaten to betray her,
Chris re-enters her life in a most unexpected way, and Nicole finds herself emmeshed in a deadly game that pits Chris, the boy she once loved, against Richard, the man who loves her, now, a game from which only one will emerge unscathed. Nicole faces an impossible decision. Which will she choose? Who will live?
Running from vile rumors and merciless ridicule, thirteen-year-old Nicole Beaumont flees her home in Parsons Valley, Georgia. She leaves Chris behind, the boy who had been her best-friend-for-life, her soul mate, the one with whom she was supposed to spend her life, and she takes refuge at a boarding school in rural Pennsylvania.
In the farming community in which she lived, almost any transgression could be tolerated, excused, or overlooked. Any transgression, save one that smacked of sex, and, according to rumor, that was exactly what she and Chris had done while lying on the bank of Parsons Pond. It was a lie, the worst part at any rate, but Chris̶ ̶ refused to deny the rumor. Never again, Nicole vows, will she trust another person as she had trusted Chris.
Such vows can be difficult to keep, but Nicole perseveres.
Then, she meets Richard. He seems different from the others. He accepts Nicole as she is. He keeps her secrets. When others doubt her, he stands in her defense. Nevertheless, even as they fall in love, the full story of what happened at Parsons Pond remains off-limits to him, and her memories of Chris, which tempt her, tugging her into the past, threaten to betray her,
Chris re-enters her life in a most unexpected way, and Nicole finds herself emmeshed in a deadly game that pits Chris, the boy she once loved, against Richard, the man who loves her, now, a game from which only one will emerge unscathed. Nicole faces an impossible decision. Which will she choose? Who will live?
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2022
About the author
David Burnett
13 books569 followersWe recently moved to our new home near Charleston, South Carolina. Three of my four books are set in Charleston, and I’ve always enjoyed the Carolina beaches. I now have the opportunity to walk on the beach almost every day and to photography the ocean, the sea birds, and the marshes that I love.
I love photography, and I have photographed subjects as varied as prehistoric ruins on the islands of Scotland, star trails, sea gulls, and a Native American powwow. My wife and I have traveled widely in the United States and the United Kingdom. During trips to Scotland, we visited Crathes Castle, the ancestral home of the Burnett family near Aberdeen, and Kismul Castle on Barra, the home of my McNeil ancestors.
I went to school for much longer than I want to admit, and I have degrees in psychology and education. In an “earlier life” I was Director of Research for our state’s education department.
I love photography, and I have photographed subjects as varied as prehistoric ruins on the islands of Scotland, star trails, sea gulls, and a Native American powwow. My wife and I have traveled widely in the United States and the United Kingdom. During trips to Scotland, we visited Crathes Castle, the ancestral home of the Burnett family near Aberdeen, and Kismul Castle on Barra, the home of my McNeil ancestors.
I went to school for much longer than I want to admit, and I have degrees in psychology and education. In an “earlier life” I was Director of Research for our state’s education department.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 16, 2022
This book was difficult to put down.
So, I didn’t.
Until I finished it.
In one day.
In one sitting.
House Beside the River is riveting, emotional, nicely paced, and oh so memorable. The book houses well-developed characters, loads of action, and an extraordinary southern setting, making it one of my 2022 favorites!
Okay, this might not be a popular thing to say, but I rarely read books by male authors. I love to read stories with a female main character, and I’ve found that male authors oftentimes portray female perspectives in a fantastical way. Not always, but often. David Burnett doesn’t fit in that category. He creates delightfully realistic characters—young, old, female, male, good, bad—and makes them unforgettable. This is my first Burnett book, and I’ve enjoyed it tremendously. Learning Nicole Beaumont’s story, and observing her growth put me through so many heart-racing, heartbreaking, and heartwarming moments that I feel as if I’ve spent a lifetime with her rather than one day!
I didn’t know what to expect from this story, but it certainly wasn’t as much as I got: A heartbreaking coming-of-age story. A story of intrigue, danger, deception, and betrayal. A story of love, growth, change, and healing. And all these things are interwoven to form a stunning, page-turning tale. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Nicole, Chris, Richard, and others. And I’m kind of sad the story has come to an end. Perhaps the author will write about them again one day…
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
A 2022 Favorite!
So, I didn’t.
Until I finished it.
In one day.
In one sitting.
House Beside the River is riveting, emotional, nicely paced, and oh so memorable. The book houses well-developed characters, loads of action, and an extraordinary southern setting, making it one of my 2022 favorites!
Okay, this might not be a popular thing to say, but I rarely read books by male authors. I love to read stories with a female main character, and I’ve found that male authors oftentimes portray female perspectives in a fantastical way. Not always, but often. David Burnett doesn’t fit in that category. He creates delightfully realistic characters—young, old, female, male, good, bad—and makes them unforgettable. This is my first Burnett book, and I’ve enjoyed it tremendously. Learning Nicole Beaumont’s story, and observing her growth put me through so many heart-racing, heartbreaking, and heartwarming moments that I feel as if I’ve spent a lifetime with her rather than one day!
I didn’t know what to expect from this story, but it certainly wasn’t as much as I got: A heartbreaking coming-of-age story. A story of intrigue, danger, deception, and betrayal. A story of love, growth, change, and healing. And all these things are interwoven to form a stunning, page-turning tale. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Nicole, Chris, Richard, and others. And I’m kind of sad the story has come to an end. Perhaps the author will write about them again one day…
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
A 2022 Favorite!
April 18, 2022
Wow, what a read!
I am familiar with David Burnett’s writing and have read books by him in the past, so I was excited and eager to read another book by him.
House Beside the River bounces between current and the past of Nicole, as she is purchasing a “summer home” for herself. The home itself brings memories flooding back that she finds difficult to resist and we journey back in time to what leads Nicole to who she is today.
I found the story reminiscent of something a young girl may actually experience in real life; nothing of it was far fetched or imaginative that I could not actually see it happening to someone. The small town upbringing with strong morals of what is expected of boys and girls; the punishments that we see; the way kids talk; sending kids away from home to spare family embarrassment; the childhood love; the growing apart from the small town and the small town people…
I enjoyed reading a story that was ‘grounded’ in real life and I felt a kinship with Nicole.
I would definitely recommend House Beside the River for someone looking for a slower paced romance story. It was relaxing to read something that wasn’t boy meets girl, girl falls in love, BAM, love forever. It was much more ‘real life’ that many romances and it was a refreshing read.
I am familiar with David Burnett’s writing and have read books by him in the past, so I was excited and eager to read another book by him.
House Beside the River bounces between current and the past of Nicole, as she is purchasing a “summer home” for herself. The home itself brings memories flooding back that she finds difficult to resist and we journey back in time to what leads Nicole to who she is today.
I found the story reminiscent of something a young girl may actually experience in real life; nothing of it was far fetched or imaginative that I could not actually see it happening to someone. The small town upbringing with strong morals of what is expected of boys and girls; the punishments that we see; the way kids talk; sending kids away from home to spare family embarrassment; the childhood love; the growing apart from the small town and the small town people…
I enjoyed reading a story that was ‘grounded’ in real life and I felt a kinship with Nicole.
I would definitely recommend House Beside the River for someone looking for a slower paced romance story. It was relaxing to read something that wasn’t boy meets girl, girl falls in love, BAM, love forever. It was much more ‘real life’ that many romances and it was a refreshing read.
April 21, 2022
My favorite book by Mr. David Burnett
I read many books by Mr. David Burnett and so far this is my favorite book of his. The story is so different from his previous books so far. This one is extremely good.
It is exceptional. It is suspense. It made me edgy on the couch. It is so good and hard to put it down. Vengeance indeed is so sweet. Nicole is my favorite character. I loved her feistiness, her witty, and above all her strong character. The cover is so beautiful too with an amazing story to devour for.
The sacrifice she had to endure is so worth it in the end. She has an amazing job and very scary and almost cost her life to find justice. I recommend this book who likes to read suspense.
I read many books by Mr. David Burnett and so far this is my favorite book of his. The story is so different from his previous books so far. This one is extremely good.
It is exceptional. It is suspense. It made me edgy on the couch. It is so good and hard to put it down. Vengeance indeed is so sweet. Nicole is my favorite character. I loved her feistiness, her witty, and above all her strong character. The cover is so beautiful too with an amazing story to devour for.
The sacrifice she had to endure is so worth it in the end. She has an amazing job and very scary and almost cost her life to find justice. I recommend this book who likes to read suspense.
April 12, 2022
This is a wonderful story, truly different from books that I've read before. The stories from Nicole's childhood gave me such flashbacks to my own, not because they were identical but because of the innocence of the time, and the thrill of playing outdoors. But as happens to all of us, things changed, and Nicole's innocence was shattered.
As an adult she's sheltered her heart and has just recently begun to open herself up. And everything changed yet again, leaving her with an impossible decision to make.
This was an excellent book, and very difficult for me to put down. I definitely recommend it to everyone!
As an adult she's sheltered her heart and has just recently begun to open herself up. And everything changed yet again, leaving her with an impossible decision to make.
This was an excellent book, and very difficult for me to put down. I definitely recommend it to everyone!
April 20, 2022
I have read a few of David Burnett's books now and I love how diverse he is at writing different genres. House Beside The River was yet another enjoyable book from David.
This book centres around Nicole Beaumont - at thirteen years old her life changed. What started as something innocent with her friend Chris turned into so much more. They were caught skinny dipping in Parsons Pond but Chris's mother, and whilst they denied that anything untoward had happened Chris took the opportunity to not deny the rumours that they slept together when they were asked at school the following day. Parsons Valley is a rural town in Georgia and when we flashed back to this point in Nicole's life I struggled with grasping what year it was supposed to be - it came across as being some backwards middle of nowhere town from a time that didn't fit with the technology that was around.
Moving forward in Nicole's life she buys a house beside the river which brings past and the emotions that she went through bubbling to the surface and has her reflecting on her life up to this point. We learn that she has vowed never to let another man in her heart and when she is sent away to a catholic boarding school after the events at the pond, she feels that she is an embarrassment to her mother and family so she hardly returns home to see them. That is until she meets Richard from the boys school.
Her past, present and future all play out in this coming of age story from David, and I really enjoyed the tale he wove how her past shaped Nicole.
4 stars
This book centres around Nicole Beaumont - at thirteen years old her life changed. What started as something innocent with her friend Chris turned into so much more. They were caught skinny dipping in Parsons Pond but Chris's mother, and whilst they denied that anything untoward had happened Chris took the opportunity to not deny the rumours that they slept together when they were asked at school the following day. Parsons Valley is a rural town in Georgia and when we flashed back to this point in Nicole's life I struggled with grasping what year it was supposed to be - it came across as being some backwards middle of nowhere town from a time that didn't fit with the technology that was around.
Moving forward in Nicole's life she buys a house beside the river which brings past and the emotions that she went through bubbling to the surface and has her reflecting on her life up to this point. We learn that she has vowed never to let another man in her heart and when she is sent away to a catholic boarding school after the events at the pond, she feels that she is an embarrassment to her mother and family so she hardly returns home to see them. That is until she meets Richard from the boys school.
Her past, present and future all play out in this coming of age story from David, and I really enjoyed the tale he wove how her past shaped Nicole.
4 stars
March 22, 2022
If you are looking for a read that will capture your attention from the front cover to the back, this is it! David Burnett pulls us into Nicole's story and instantly, you'll find your heart aching for the young girl. What she goes through is a travesty. But she rises above it, even finding love again.
But as Nicole advances in her career, she finds herself at a crossroads. She can either face jail time or take a job within the FBI. If you've ever watched Criminal Minds, there was a little Penelope Garcia vibe here! She ends up going undercover and soon finds her past crashing into her present. It is an extreme risk, but one that brings her story full circle.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, giving you a true feel for the atmosphere of the situations and locations throughout the book. Nicole's upbringing and her past trauma have a great impact on the woman she becomes, often threatening to send her on a downward spiral. But Richard returns at critical moments in her life, giving her a centered, safe, and secure home.
I thoroughly enjoyed the case that Nicole works on that collides her past and present together. It's something I could easily see in the current news. Not only does it show the brutality and unrest of these types of groups, it also shows how easily people can be pulled into the cause.
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
But as Nicole advances in her career, she finds herself at a crossroads. She can either face jail time or take a job within the FBI. If you've ever watched Criminal Minds, there was a little Penelope Garcia vibe here! She ends up going undercover and soon finds her past crashing into her present. It is an extreme risk, but one that brings her story full circle.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, giving you a true feel for the atmosphere of the situations and locations throughout the book. Nicole's upbringing and her past trauma have a great impact on the woman she becomes, often threatening to send her on a downward spiral. But Richard returns at critical moments in her life, giving her a centered, safe, and secure home.
I thoroughly enjoyed the case that Nicole works on that collides her past and present together. It's something I could easily see in the current news. Not only does it show the brutality and unrest of these types of groups, it also shows how easily people can be pulled into the cause.
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
April 14, 2022
House Beside The River by David Burnett is a page-turning coming of age romance novel, which centres around one woman - Nicole Beaumont.
As a child, Nicole has an event occur to her which changes everything. It shapes the way she views love and relationships with the opposite sex, it tarnishes her innocence and highlights the brutality and harm of a rumour.
When Nicole purchases a house, it forces her to reminisce upon her past, evoking some memories in which she had chosen to forget. After an ultimate betrayal by someone she considered a best friend, you learn she is swept off to a girls private school, and thrust into a new life. It was from then onwards Nicole chooses to protect her heart and learns new skills in order to better herself.
But true to life, a lot of things from the past have a funny way of coming full circle, and as a reader you are taken on a journey of discovery and are left wondering what decisions in life and love Nicole will make.
This was a very addictive read. The rumour in which Nicole becomes wrapped up in, is something I can remember happening in a school I attended. Due to how upsetting and uncomfortable this was, it was excellent to see how Nicole had turned her life around and the successes she had accrued for herself. Oddly unexpectedly involving someone from her past:
This was a true to life, page turning romance read that I would highly recommend to someone looking to try something new, or to get wrapped up in a good love story.
As a child, Nicole has an event occur to her which changes everything. It shapes the way she views love and relationships with the opposite sex, it tarnishes her innocence and highlights the brutality and harm of a rumour.
When Nicole purchases a house, it forces her to reminisce upon her past, evoking some memories in which she had chosen to forget. After an ultimate betrayal by someone she considered a best friend, you learn she is swept off to a girls private school, and thrust into a new life. It was from then onwards Nicole chooses to protect her heart and learns new skills in order to better herself.
But true to life, a lot of things from the past have a funny way of coming full circle, and as a reader you are taken on a journey of discovery and are left wondering what decisions in life and love Nicole will make.
This was a very addictive read. The rumour in which Nicole becomes wrapped up in, is something I can remember happening in a school I attended. Due to how upsetting and uncomfortable this was, it was excellent to see how Nicole had turned her life around and the successes she had accrued for herself. Oddly unexpectedly involving someone from her past:
This was a true to life, page turning romance read that I would highly recommend to someone looking to try something new, or to get wrapped up in a good love story.
April 12, 2022
Nicole purchases a house and many things about it makes her reminisce about her past life. Not all of it was good. Her best friend left her out to dry and she ended up being sent to a private girl's school far from home. It was there that she learned to be more then she ever was before and met a guy from the neighboring boy's school. They took computer classes together and became somewhat close. Nicole had sworn off men after what her best friend had done.
Years later, when she was in grad school one of her assignments was to hack into something--she choose the Dept of Agriculture. Suddenly the FBI was after her and after a bit of haggling she ended up working for them. She found out that her friend from the boy's school had recognized her work and gave them her name!
It was supposed to be a clerical type job but she found herself going undercover. It took her back to her hometown. Strange how Karma has a way of quietly making an appearance.
I really can't say anymore or will give it all away. This author always writes books that I so enjoy-I think I have read them all. Some of the subject matter is hard to swallow--but the wording makes it okay--he knows what he is doing!!
Years later, when she was in grad school one of her assignments was to hack into something--she choose the Dept of Agriculture. Suddenly the FBI was after her and after a bit of haggling she ended up working for them. She found out that her friend from the boy's school had recognized her work and gave them her name!
It was supposed to be a clerical type job but she found herself going undercover. It took her back to her hometown. Strange how Karma has a way of quietly making an appearance.
I really can't say anymore or will give it all away. This author always writes books that I so enjoy-I think I have read them all. Some of the subject matter is hard to swallow--but the wording makes it okay--he knows what he is doing!!
April 25, 2022
David Burnett will always be on my reading pile, I connect so easily with his writing with every book I read. There's a natural flow to his writing, I don't know how he manages it, but his varied stories always feel so realistic, I understand and bond with the characters, which all makes for an enjoyable and satisfying read.
This story centers around FBI agent Nicole Beaumont and the traumatic times she had from her childhood that have managed to shape her young adult life. As she buys a beautiful home near a river it brings back those bad memories which had hardened her young heart and left her feeling unable to rely on others or ever love again. The story skips from past to present times filling the reader in with all the events, and follows her career as past and present finally meet creating a dangerous path for Nicole to follow.
Although we have suspense, there is also time for some romance that Nicole definitely deserves, although she may try to fight it love is very patient and persistent!
This story centers around FBI agent Nicole Beaumont and the traumatic times she had from her childhood that have managed to shape her young adult life. As she buys a beautiful home near a river it brings back those bad memories which had hardened her young heart and left her feeling unable to rely on others or ever love again. The story skips from past to present times filling the reader in with all the events, and follows her career as past and present finally meet creating a dangerous path for Nicole to follow.
Although we have suspense, there is also time for some romance that Nicole definitely deserves, although she may try to fight it love is very patient and persistent!
April 17, 2022
A riveting book. I have read all of David Burnett's books. Every book has an excellent story line and his growth as an author is evident in House Beside the River.
Just couldn't put this book down. Sara grows from a teenager betrayed by gossip to a young professional still grappling with lingering insecurities from that betrayal. As in any good romance, love conquers in the end.
Filled with suspense, romance, and self-discovery, this will be an excellent read while on vacation or to fill a rainy summer weekend.
Just couldn't put this book down. Sara grows from a teenager betrayed by gossip to a young professional still grappling with lingering insecurities from that betrayal. As in any good romance, love conquers in the end.
Filled with suspense, romance, and self-discovery, this will be an excellent read while on vacation or to fill a rainy summer weekend.
October 11, 2023
Not enough stars!
I can’t remember the last time I read a book this good. The characters are well drawn, the plot was interesting and believable. A scorned teenage girl turns her life around. But this is so much more than that. You have to read it to understand what I mean.
I can’t remember the last time I read a book this good. The characters are well drawn, the plot was interesting and believable. A scorned teenage girl turns her life around. But this is so much more than that. You have to read it to understand what I mean.
February 23, 2025
It started out good but it was slow in places. U listened to the audio book and the voice was computer generated. There was not much fluctuation in tone and many things were miss pronounced. I can’t recommend it.
August 12, 2024
Not really sure what the point of this story was. It was a lot of rambling, not much happened and the end didn't even feel like an end. Not completely terrible but I wouldn't read anything else from this author.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews